Alright, Seattle homeowners, let us talk about sheds. You have things to store, or maybe you have a new hobby space in mind. You might also just want to get that lawnmower out of the garage. So, you start thinking about a shed, and then you hit the big question. You wonder if you should build this thing yourself, or if you should call in the professionals.
As Seattle Shed Builders, we have seen many things. We have seen ambitious DIY projects that turned into long-term headaches. We have also seen beautifully crafted Sheds that stand the test of time. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for a Shed in Seattle. We can tell you what we have learned about the real differences between a DIY Shed and one built by professionals. This is especially true when you are dealing with our Pacific Northwest weather.
Cost: Beyond the Sticker Price
Let us be honest, cost is the first thing on most people's minds. Building it yourself seems like the cheaper option at first glance. You are saving on labor, after all. The materials for a DIY Shed can sometimes be less than a professionally built one. This is especially true for smaller, basic Shed models. You might find material costs for a 10x10 Shed for around $1,500 if you do it yourself. A professional custom build of the same size averages about $5,600 in Seattle.
This is where it gets tricky for a DIY Shed in Seattle. That DIY price tag often does not include everything. We are talking about tools you might need to buy or rent. There are also the inevitable extra trips to the hardware store because you forgot a box of nails or cut a board too short. The cost of your own time is also important to consider. Seattle Shed Builders has seen many homeowners start a DIY project thinking they will save a lot of money. They often find the cost of time and materials adds up quickly.